ulterior
Beyond the stated
Ulterior describes something beyond what is openly shown or stated, especially a hidden motive.
An ulterior motive is a secret reason behind an ostensibly innocent action: She suspected he had ulterior motives for offering to help.
The word carries suspicion—ulterior purposes are usually self-serving.
Less commonly, ulterior means lying beyond or on the farther side, but the "hidden agenda" sense dominates modern usage.
Made invisible deliberately
- undisclosedNot made known
- secretConcealed information
- covertIntentionally concealed
- veiledConcealed or obscured
obscured · masked · unspoken · unrevealed · latent · buried · shrouded · unacknowledged
Stealthily deceptive
- deviousUnderhanded and calculating
- schemingCrafty and calculating
- calculatingColdly self-serving in strategy
- craftyCleverly deceptive
sly · disingenuous · insincere · two-faced · dishonest · manipulative · underhanded · deceitful
concealed
Made invisible deliberately
- undisclosedNot made known
- secretConcealed information
- covertIntentionally concealed
veiled · obscured · masked · unspoken · unrevealed · latent · buried · shrouded · unacknowledged · disguised
sneaky
Stealthily deceptive
- deviousUnderhanded and calculating
- schemingCrafty and calculating
- calculatingColdly self-serving in strategy
crafty · sly · disingenuous · insincere · two-faced · dishonest · manipulative · underhanded · deceitful · conniving
agenda
Formal discussion list
- intentionPlanned purpose for acting
- purposeReason something exists
- schemeCalculated strategy, often secretive
design · plan · plot · reason · incentive · goal · objective · aim · calculation · ambition
- ulterior motiveConcealed purpose behind behavior